Ambulatory 24 Hour pH- Impedance Study

Ambulatory 24 Hour pH- Monitoring is a study that measures and records the amount and severity of stomach contents backing up into the esophagus and can detect if the content of the reflux is acidic or non-acidic. From this study, your physician will be able to evaluate the number of reflux events, the acid content of each event, as well as how long each event lasted. This study is a very effective method of diagnosing GERD (Gastroesophagel Reflux Disease). This study is performed for the following reasons: (1) To evaluate symptoms related to GERD such as persistent heartburn, regurgitation, chronic cough, and chest pain. (2) To evaluate abnormal esophageal acid exposure in the event of a recent negative endoscopy. (3) To confirm esophageal reflux prior to anti-reflux surgery. (4) To determine the effectiveness of medications that are given to prevent acid reflux.

This study will be performed by a doctor, nurse, or technician. It involves inserting a very small, flexible catheter through your nostril and placing it in the lower part of the esophagus. The external end will be attached to a small recording device called a pH recorder. This unit will record the acid levels in your esophagus over a 24 hour period. The recorder is returned and the data is downloaded. The physician will correlate the events and symptoms.